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Early Learning

2016 Legislative Review

This past session, the Children’s Alliance fought for policy solutions rooted in our commitment to improve the lives of Washington’s children and advance racial equity, so every child has the opportunity they deserve.

We believe in the potential of every child. Poverty and racism erode kids’ opportunities. Our legislative agenda reflects smart public policies that remove barriers and create opportunity—so all kids can thrive.

Every child in our state should have the opportunity to thrive: a quality education supported by parents and community from cradle to career; enough healthy food to eat each day; and access to comprehensive, affordable health care that optimizes their well-being.

In our weekly Learn, Love, Lead! email series, we show what we can do together to protect and support Washington's children from new federal threats. Each week, we provide a resource you can learn from and share, or an action you can take to be the leader kids are counting on.

Whether you and your family are targeted by rising hate or a particular policy, or you want to act in solidarity with children and families in your community, we are here to support your actions to protect kids’ well-being and happiness today, and help them grow into their enormous potential.

Research Brief: Early Learning Improves Kindergarten Readiness for All and Dramatically Reduces Disparities for Kids of Color

We all have a stake in making sure that, from the day they’re born, kids can have the enriching experiences they need to get off to a great start in life. Research has found quality early learning can give children the tools they need to thrive academically and emotionally throughout their young lives and beyond.

Child care educators earn very low wages, child care center teachers turn over at a 43% rate, and 22% of child care businesses have closed since 2011. Without more public investment, these alarming trends will accelerate.

We call on the legislature to fund the cost of quality child care by investing $85.5 million into Working Connections Child Care center reimbursement rates. Read more here from Child Care Aware's fact sheet (PDF).

The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) is quality preschool that’s good for kids, parents and schools.

Washington has some of the highest child-care (including preschool) costs in the nation. That means some kids, disproportionately kids in low-income families and children of color, miss out on early experiences in preschool that can help them have a great childhood and thrive in kindergarten. ECEAP expands equitable access to high-quality, culturally responsive preschool.

The proposal to consolidate programs and services into a Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) in Washington State is a once in a generation opportunity to structure government for positive outcomes for children, youth, and families.

While there are many important aspects of this endeavor, the Children’s Alliance has identified four key areas for the focus of our advocacy. We recognize there are many issues involved and we will also play a supportive role on other issues that are deeply felt by our community.

When we raise our voices together, we build the power to protect kids and build a healthy future.

Have a Heart for Kids Day brought hundreds of advocates for children to the State Capitol on Friday, January 27. Children’s Alliance members brought their voices, their values and their hope to state lawmakers who are making important choices in the days and weeks ahead. To see photos from the day, click here.

The Children’s Alliance creates our annual Legislative Agenda with the aid of a racial equity policy analysis, so that our efforts address disparities facing children and families in communities of color.

Early Learning

Quality preschool helps kids to reach their full potential for success in school and in life. Expand access to the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) by increasing enrollment of currently eligible children and increasing funding to support and retain high quality, diverse teachers.

Pagination

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About Children's Alliance

At the Children’s Alliance, we’re advocates for kids. We ensure that laws, policies and programs work for kids, and we hold our leaders accountable until they secure the resources required to make all children safe and healthy.